Lassonde fuels student success through the 3rd annual NSERC CREATE Conference

In late April, York University’s Lassonde School of Engineering hosted the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) Collaborative Research and Training Experience Program (CREATE) Conference.

The NSERC CREATE Conference is designed for student trainees involved in NSERC CREATE programs, offering valuable opportunities for networking, knowledge exchange, and professional development. Lassonde welcomed over 120 students from more than 18 universities across six Canadian provinces. The event also brought together professors, researchers, and industry professionals from institutions and organizations nationwide.

This year, the conference also hosted two CREATE grants from the University of Toronto as well, marking the first time CREATEs external to York University participated.

Left: Members of the AM-EDGE CREATE | Right: Members of the SMART-ART CREATE

The NSERC CREATE program equips leading researchers with funding and resources to design innovative, industry-focused training programs for highly qualified students. Each initiative targets complex challenges within a specific field of science or engineering.

Lassonde is home to six NSERC CREATE programs, including AM-EDGE, GMD-MSTI, MTA, SMART-ART, SMART, and TABES, each with their own unique research focuses, academic leaders, industry partners and student trainees from Canadian universities. These programs enable student trainees to build advanced technical expertise and contribute to leading-edge research, while also gaining professional skills through mentorship, collaboration, and hands-on training opportunities.

During this year’s NSERC CREATE Conference, trainees participated in two days of engaging activities, including presentations from researchers and keynote speakers – and a thought-provoking, interactive career panel. Student attendees also had opportunities to share their ongoing research through both formal and poster presentations, promoting professional development and learning opportunities.

This event marks the third occasion that all of Lassonde’s CREATE programs have come together to host a multidisciplinary conference, providing knowledge-sharing opportunities across diverse fields—from biotechnology and space engineering to 3D printing and artificial intelligence.

Left: Trainees during a keynote speech | Right: NSERC CREATE Program Officer, Samantha Gollop, with NSERC CREATE TABES Program Director, Professor Satinder Brar, left 

The 2025 NSERC CREATE Conference drew strong participation, with continued growth and expansion anticipated in the years ahead. By fostering dynamic opportunities for skill development, knowledge exchange, and collaboration, the conference reinforces Lassonde’s commitment to addressing global challenges through interdisciplinary research and partnership. Planning for the 2026 NSERC CREATE Conference will begin soon, with a focus on expanding involvement from CREATE programs at other institutions across the Greater Toronto Area.

Left: Career Panel | Right: Conference Attendees Tour the Microfabrication Cleanroom 

Learn more about the NSERC CREATE programs at Lassonde: 

AM-EDGE – Additive Manufacturing in Engineering Design and Global Entrepreneurship

Program Director: Aleksander Czekanski, professor in Mechanical Engineering  

Additive Manufacturing in Engineering Design and Global Entrepreneurship (AM-EDGE) focuses on training students to design, develop, implement and operate 3D printing technologies. The program offers unique, experiential learning opportunities and prepares students to become leaders in the field through entrepreneurial training with experts from research centres and within the industry.  

GMD-MSTI – Geomagnetic Disturbance in Modern Societies and Technological Infrastructures 

Program Director: Afshin Rezaei-Zare, associate professor in Electrical Engineering & Computer Science 

The newest CREATE program at Lassonde, Geomagnetic Disturbance in Modern Societies and Technological Infrastructures (GMD-MSTI), launched in early 2024, aims to assess and address the impact of geomagnetic disturbances on infrastructure and society through advanced techniques and interdisciplinary research.

MTA – Microsystems Technologies and Applications  

Program Director: Regina Lee, professor in Earth and Space Science and Engineering 

Microsystems, Technologies and Applications (MTA) is the youngest of the five CREATE programs at Lassonde, focused on addressing the need for innovation in microsystems technologies. This program allows students to develop transferable skills for designing and optimizing microsystems for environmental, space engineering and biomedical applications. 

SMART-ART – Smart Autonomous Robotic Technology for Space Exploration

Program Director: George Zhu, professor in Mechanical Engineering

Supporting the future generation of researchers in space robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) for space exploration, the Smart Autonomous Robotic Technology for Space Exploration (SMART-ART) program provides essential training to highly qualified students focused on working in the space industry. This program allows students to develop research skills in areas including AI, computer vision, autonomous robotics and systems engineering.

TABES – Training in Applied Biotechnology and Environmental Sustainability

Program Director: Satinder Brar, professor in Civil Engineering

Training in Applied Biotechnology for Environmental Sustainability (TABES) is an interdisciplinary, industry-oriented program where students develop both technical and professional skills to tackle real-world challenges related to waste management. This program aims to prepare students for the growing biotechnology industry, through advanced training and research opportunities in areas such as microorganism applications and bioproduct development.